Among more than 2000 types of cheese, only one rightfully bears the title of king — Parmesan. Its history spans over 900 years, and it easily competes with younger varieties. Parmesan is valued for its refined taste, exquisite aroma, and unique dense texture. It conquers the kitchens of the world and, importantly, our hearts.
Monks' Recipe
It is believed that the recipe for the cheese, which has become a symbol of Italian cuisine, was developed by monks of the Catholic Benedictine order who worked in monasteries between Parma and Reggio Emilia. This is where the original name of the cheese — Parmigiano Reggiano — originated, which was later shortened. Until the 16th century, the monks kept the recipe for Parmesan a strict secret, but then decided to profit from their invention and began selling it to European chefs. This marked the beginning of its popularity.
The King Has Ripe!
Parmesan quickly gained recognition as the ruler of Mediterranean cuisine. Its taste and aroma are unmistakable compared to other cheeses. Subtle nutty notes, fruity accents, and a light sweetness that does not contradict but rather complements the spicy, slightly sharp aftertaste — Parmesan truly has a unique character, as does its texture: dense, easily crumbly, and grainy. The older the Parmesan, the more brittle it becomes, which is an indicator of its quality and long aging.
Benefits in Every Bite
Since childhood, we have known that cheese is a source of calcium for our bodies. However, in addition to this, it contains many valuable substances: vitamins A, B group, E, and D, as well as macroelements such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Nutritionists recommend consuming about 50 grams of cheese per day for it to benefit the body, providing essential amino acids such as tryptophan, which is responsible for healthy sleep and a good mood. The longer Parmesan ages, the more amino acids it contains, so do not be alarmed if you see small white crystals in the cheese's texture — these are calcium lactate. The crystals are a sign of high quality and excellent taste.
The Perfect Companion
Parmesan has won the love of the world not only for its benefits but also for its vibrant flavor. This king of cheeses has royally transformed many cuisines. The best pairing for Parmesan is, of course, Italian pasta with vegetables, meat, chicken, mushrooms, and seafood. A classic way is to grate it fresh over a freshly prepared hot dish to reveal the noble aroma and flavor of the cheese. By the way, introducing children, who are usually conservative in their eating habits and do not like experiments, to Parmesan can be done through pasta. There are no bigger fans of macaroni and cheese, so let the cheese on their menu be truly delicious.
Transparent slices of cheese will elegantly decorate pizza, giving it spicy gourmet notes. No authentic Caesar salad is complete without Parmesan: it is perfect for both a rich dressing and for sprinkling on top. Risotto becomes a true masterpiece thanks to the creaminess and piquancy of aged Parmesan. It is also magnificent in dessert combinations — with jam, sweet grapes, tropical kiwi, and aromatic berries.
Whether you are cooking pasta or want to treat friends to a gourmet cheese platter, Parmesan will always hold a worthy place. The royal cheese is not constrained by its rich gastronomic crown — it has rightfully earned its throne.
